'I always felt he would progress from two to three' - £50,000 Newmarket feature looks right option for improver

This race underlines the point that even though two-year-olds do most of their racing over sprint distances, once they turn three there are still plenty of progressive sprinters knocking around.

Last year, this race was won by Woodhay Wonder with Completely Random second. Although they are both top handicappers now, they are the product of one of the less auspicious recent runnings. 

Previous winners include Pattern winners Quinault, Harry Three and Jumby, while Washington Heights, Marsha and Rogue Lightning rank among the beaten horses.

To further underline that this 0-105 is about potential rather than achievement, there have been only two runners rated 100 or higher in the last decade and none since 2017. 

Columnist, who fizzled out after finishing third in last year's Coventry, is emblematic of the sort. The other two high in the weights, Northern Ticker and Bolo Neighs, were at least improving in the autumn.

The two who have shown most obvious promise in 2025 are at the foot of the handicap. Marchogion shaped a lot better than seventh in a £150,000 race on All-Weather Finals Day last month. 

He was in rear and had to come around the field, while winner Berkshire Whisper raced as if tethered to the rail. Similarly, American Style raced on the opposite wing to the winner when second over course and distance on Guineas weekend.

American Style was in stall 12 of 12 that day and is in nine of nine today. With the other main pace angle, Dark Cloud Rising, in six he could set the terms again on his side.

But in races like this, what matters less than early pace is the stored-up ability to become a smart handicapper at least.
Analysis by Keith Melrose

Going update

The ground at Newmarket quickened to good to firm on Saturday and watering took place on Saturday night.

Clerk of the course Alice Cosgrove said on Saturday: "We will be watering after racing tonight to maintain, but how much has yet to be determined."

What they say

Michael Dods, trainer of Northern Ticker
He’s wintered well. He’s a big horse and we’ve been struggling to get a run into him as the ground has been so dry everywhere. I’m led to believe they might put some water down on Saturday night at Newmarket, and I hope they do. He will probably improve a lot for the run. The plan is to go for the big three-year-old handicap over six furlongs at the next York meeting.

Clive Cox, trainer of Good Banter
He’s done well on the all-weather and is in really good form. I hope he can translate his all-weather form to turf.

Adam Ryan, assistant to Kevin Ryan, trainer of American Style
He won well at Ripon on his reappearance and then produced perhaps an even better run in defeat over six furlongs at Newmarket. He is improving. I always felt he would progress from two to three. He goes there in good health and should continue to go the right way.

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